Increased security to be a priority

The devastated centre of Kuta remained littered with rubble and twisted metal yesterday, as local authorities and the community looked to rebuild.

Increased security and safety for visitors will be a priority in the reconstruction effort, which may result in a noticeably different Bali.

The owner of Paddy's Irish pub, Kadek Winanatha, said he was committed to rebuilding the night spot, but could not say how long reconstruction would take or when it would begin.

Mr Winanatha said he would first ensure the survival of his almost 3000 staff who could suffer greatly under the island's likely economic downturn.

"We can build it again because all of my staff want to build again," he said. "We are not going to give up with this."

Paddy's was a sturdier structure than the Sari Club, which was made mainly of wood. Mr Winanatha said his new club would be made entirely of concrete, with ceiling sprinkler systems and more fire exits.

Security will be tight, with mandatory bag checks and metal detectors on the agenda.

"The terrorists think they can destroy Bali, but I don't think so," he said.

Indonesian police announced on Saturday that Legian Street would be reopened on Wednesday. Reports last week said a monument would be built in the area of the bomb blast and would be inscribed with the names of victims, but this is yet to be confirmed.

This week Indonesian Government ministers for the economy, culture, tourism and finance will meet Bali Governor Dewa Beratha and local tourism representatives to discuss first steps to repairing the damage to Bali's key industry.

The Bali Tourism Board would begin by creating short programs to encourage businesses back to the area, board chairman Putu Antara said.

"We should give the people of Bali more hope, that's our job," he said.

Increased security for travellers "is the most important issue", Mr Antara said.

"In the future we would like to build a new Bali, a better Bali that is more secure and has better organisation."

Many expatriates in Bali say they will stay on despite advice from the Australian consul-general that they should leave.